Ambrosio Maldonado

Ambrosio Maldonado died peacefully Sept. 14, 2009 surrounded by loved ones in Belmont. He struggled with severe heart conditions and other health ailments for many years. He was cared for by his two devoted daughters and son-in-laws, Ed and Irma Lopez of Rocklin and Robert and Sara Ortiz of Redwood City. He was married for 51 years to Bartola Maldonado. His wife and son, Luis Maldonado precedes his death.

Ambrosio was born Dec. 7, 1923 in Mexico. He migrated to Texas in 1948 where he married his wife and had their first two children. In 1954, he and his family moved west to California and welcomed their second daughter. He was a hard-working man who worked in the restaurant industry. Ambrosio became a successful restaurant owner on the Peninsula. His substantial restaurant ownership spanned 55 years and included establishments such as Pancho’s Mexican Café in Redwood City, circa 1960-1970s, and Tola’s Mexican Café in San Carlos, circa 1970-1980s. He was a talented and gifted artist. He was an active participant of the performing arts programs through Cañada College and Redwood City Fair Oaks Community Center where he performed. He leaves behind an enormous collection of paintings were he captured Mexican culture through colorful exhibits. His artistic expression was shared and appreciated by many.

He was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ambrosio is survived by his seven grandchildren Edward Lopez Jr., Michelle Lopez, Andrea Angulo, Ambrosio Maldonado, Methyia Maldonado, Leo Ortiz and Mia Ortiz along with eight great-grand children Angelica Zamora, Rueben Zamora, Gabriel Lopez, Alex Lopez Sophia Lopez, Matthaus Angulo, Cameron Angulo and Angel Souza.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at a memorial service to be held 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21 at Crippen & Flynn Woodside Chapel, 400 Woodside Road, Redwood City.